Chapter 3The one big item that stuck with me from chapter 3 was to begin slow and have the class practice, practice, practice!

Establishing routines is so key to setting up math workshop and guided math groups! The author suggests 4 key points to getting started with your workshop.

Teach the schedule to the students.

Teach the students what to do during the activity or centers time. She suggests starting with review centers or hot topics as she calls them (this is what I also do, along with a few team building centers!).

Show the students how to transition between all of the different aspects of your workshop time. Examples of times that need to be practiced are between centers, cleaning up time, getting out materials, etc.

Practice basic classroom manners by demonstrating and play acting them.

How does the author suggest we keep kids on track and establish routines?

ANCHOR CHARTS! I'm so glad she said that- I love using them! Please excuse the horrible paneling in the portable that was my classroom (I was not able to paint it, or put any holes in it- not ideal!).

She suggests using anchor charts because they are great visuals and they remind you and the students to go over or review them!

Chapter 4Chapter 4 discusses how important forming groups is. She suggests using data to form groups. The author also says there are two different types of groupings traditional grouping and flexible grouping; she suggests using flexible grouping!

Flexible Grouping

Groups are based on specific needs.

Groups are fluid (at least from one unit to another).

Everyone works on the big idea (mini-lessons, common core standards, state standards), but the groups work at their own pace or level.

There are also a bunch of great schedule ideas and record keeping ideas.

To keep our groups fluid I placed them in these cute pocket charts from the dollar spot at Target (they may have cost two dollars..but really, not bad!).

Next week chapter 5 will tell us about what data to use for creating the groups!

I absolutely adore teaching and anything education related. But, I have to confess that I also LOVE summer vacation! My first few years of teaching I hardly took any breaks during the summer. But, once my two kids were born I have embraced being Mommy in the summer and I love it!

However, like most of you I'm sure, I don't leave teaching that far behind! This year, on top of creating more math products, I have my summer reading list all created (with books coming to me this last week of school). And, really, who does that? Who is excited about their vacation, but gets books to read during their vacation about the job they are excited to take a break from? Only teachers, that's who!

These are the first two books on my list! I'm super excited about them!

We began using Balanced Numeracy two years ago in my district, with very little training. I am super into Balanced Literacy, so the basic transition was easy for me. But, I really want to see what else could be added, so I am geeked to read Guided Math inAction by Dr. Nicki. She is all over Pinterest, so if you haven't pinned one of her video's you should!

The second book, is of course, for teaching the math concepts!

I plan on doing book studies of both this summer on my blog. So, check back often and maybe even read along with me and comment!